Our features during July and August 2023 will focus on what nonprofits should be doing to raise awareness about what they do in their communities. Visit our website to find a list of resources to support your marketing initiatives.

In recent years, the gap between what donors expect from nonprofits and what they can deliver has grown. In our interactions with donors and nonprofit colleagues, this disconnect has become increasingly evident.

This tension was underscored in a widely discussed essay the Chronicle of Philanthropy published online in June written by a dissatisfied donor.

As a grant administrator (Sewheat) and philanthropic adviser (Lauren), we often hear that donors don’t feel they get enough appreciation for their generosity. This is understandable given that we live in a capitalistic society where monetary exchanges are by nature transactional. But when donors insist nonprofits show often unrealistic levels of appreciation, they do a disservice to those organizations and miss out on the joy and purpose of philanthropy.

Donors don’t act this way because they are uncaring or controlling people. We’ve found that most just don’t understand how philanthropy operates. A few facts may help clear the air and open the door to greater joy in charitable giving:

A nonprofit organization cannot operate like a customer-service department. Ideally, a generous donor would make a gift to a worthy charity, then immediately receive a personalized, heartfelt thank-you from the development director, who offers to answer any questions the donor has and involve them in the organization’s work.

This summer, Jennifer Bartenbach moved from her previous position of CFO and COO into the new CEO of CICF. Here is a brief introduction to what inspires her and her plans for the future of the foundation:

I was honored to have been one of the founding board members for Circle City Prep, a public charter school that opened in 2017. It’s been incredible to have worked alongside so many passionate and brilliant people to create a school that helps remove the barriers that so many young people have to a solid education and create an equitable path for all its students to be successful at college and prepared to impact our community in profound ways.

Even though I have been with CICF for over 10 years, I am going into the role committed to listening and learning from the staff, our board of directors and the community.

United Way of Central Indiana has unveiled a new five-year strategic plan to reduce poverty. The Partners in Purpose plan will support Central Indiana families experiencing financial instability through early childhood education, economic mobility, safe and affordable housing, and other essential services. Read more

11 Indiana food banks have been selected to distribute $2 million in state funding to address food insecurity throughout the state. According to a spokesperson for Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, food banks have been serving a record number of families as other sources of relief have diminished or ended. Read more about the initiative.

Jerry Semler, a long-time nonprofit advocate in Central Indiana, has passed away. Semler was honored In 2003 with IBJ's Michael A. Carroll Award in recognition of his service as board chairman and board member for numerous nonprofit and educational institutions. Learn more

Executives of local arts groups interviewed by IBJ say they are seeking new avenues to address funding challenges as they adapt to changing membership patterns and significant turnover in leadership. Learn more

Charitable Advisors needs your help! We want to gain insights about how employees, across all nonprofits in central Indiana, are feeling about their jobs and their organizations in 2023 — after years of disruptions. Results will be published in the fall 2023. Take the survey

Lease for Konica Minolta color copier. A local nonprofit is seeking a company to assume a lease for a professional copier. The lease includes digital connection support and service, and supply agreement. Specifications include the printing of 25 pages a minute, two paper trays, staple finisher, and whole punch kit. $355/month for a term of less than 21 months or negotiable. Contact Tabitha

Starting a nonprofit: Best practices for new nonprofits webinar on Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. EST. Learn the essentials of filing for tax exempt 501(c)(3) status and the basics of running a nonprofit organization. Presented by the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. Cost: Free. Register

Choosing your cause webinar on Aug. 24 from 9:30-11 a.m. EST. Individuals interested in serving on a nonprofit board will have the opportunity to explore their personal passions and how to find meaningful board service opportunities in their community. Presented by Hedges. Cost: $90 for two people from the same organization. Register

Grantmaking 101 two-day course on Aug. 29 at 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Barnes & Thornburg, 11 S. Meridian St. If you’re a staff member who is new to philanthropy, this session will provide insights to help you better understand the sector. Presented by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance. Cost: $200 IPA members/$350 nonmembers. Register

LEAD, a three-session program, on Oct. 5, 12 and 19 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Hone your collaborative leadership skills to become a more effective community leader. The LEAD program includes workshops, discussions, and case studies that focus on strategies related to building a team, stakeholder analysis, conflict management, and collaborative community leadership. Presented by Leadership Indianapolis. Cost: $1,000. Learn more

Geist Half Marathon & 5K organizers needs volunteers for its annual event on Sept. 16. Multiple opportunities and shifts available. For more information, contact Amy Crell. Register

Charitable Allies Where can my nonprofit get discounts and tax exemptions?

Johnson Grossnickle & Associates Inspiring transformational gifts: A discussion guide

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